Mississippi Valley State University News December 2, 2015 MVSU Alumnus Participates in White House Convening Special from Lampkin Consulting Group Clarksdale, Miss. - Timothy E. Lampkin, a 2008 graduate and former SGA president of Mississippi Valley State University was invited to attend the White House Convening on Rural Placemaking. The convening brought together federal, state and local public sector officials, national non-profit organizations, foundations, and individuals to discuss how federal, state, and philanthropic entities can support and leverage the power of placemaking Project for Public Spaces and National Main Street Center partnered with the White House Rural Council to host the convening. The concept of placemaking is a citizen led process that helps activate downtowns and community gathering places. It is frequently used in the field of community development and urban planning. Recently, the concept has been helpful to revitalize rural communities. Lampkin has been working in community development for five years in the Mississippi Delta. He started studying placemaking two years ago and reached out to experts in the field. Lampkin was the first person from the State of Mississippi appointed to the Placemaking Leadership Council. He is currently the CEO of Lampkin Consulting Group, LLC, which provides several services to nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and local municipalities. "Several towns in the Mississippi are trying to reinvent themselves and improve the quality of life for residents. We have to dive deeper and be intentional about how implement projects in our communities. I believe the people are the biggest assets and experts. Placemaking empowers people to be apart of the planning process. Understanding the needs of the people will help develop citizen led projects. Placemaking also allows us to be more inclusive and drive the equity conversation in our communities." Lampkin said. "Tim is a pioneer utilizing the concept of placemaking in rural communities. Having him share his perspective and experience at the White House Rural Placemaking was invaluable to advancing the national movement." said Senior Vice President of Project for Public Spaces, Ethan Kent. Lampkin has been featured in the Huffington Post, Daily Yonder, and Dakota Fire Magazine discussing his commitment to revitalizing the Mississippi Delta. For more information regarding the convening, visit http://www.pps.org/blog/white_house_rural_summit/ SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 Like us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance/ 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.